Our Summary

Mitral regurgitation, a common heart valve disease, is found in 2.3% of people over 65. Traditional open-heart surgery can be risky for these patients, so researchers are developing less invasive techniques. These new methods involve inserting devices into the heart to repair or replace the mitral valve. This valve is more complex than others in the heart, thus making these procedures more challenging.

The MitraClip is currently the only FDA-approved device for this purpose. However, many other devices are being investigated, some in humans and others in animals. These devices target different parts of the mitral valve for repair or replacement. Over ten different devices are in various stages of development and testing.

These new techniques could become more common in the future, particularly for older or sicker patients, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional open-heart surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the MitraClip and what is it used for?
  2. Are there other devices besides the MitraClip for mitral valve replacement or repair?
  3. How could these new devices for mitral valve replacement or repair benefit older or sicker patients?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about valve replacement is to stay informed about the latest advancements in less invasive techniques for valve replacement, such as the MitraClip. It’s important to discuss all options with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for your specific condition. Additionally, following a healthy lifestyle, managing any underlying medical conditions, and attending regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare team can help ensure the success of your valve replacement procedure.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended for valve replacement procedures are those with severe symptoms of heart valve disease, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, or fainting. They may also have complications such as heart failure or arrhythmias. In the case of mitral regurgitation, patients who are older or have other medical conditions that make traditional open-heart surgery risky may be good candidates for less invasive techniques like transcatheter valve replacement. These patients may benefit from a minimally invasive approach that can improve their quality of life and reduce their risk of complications from surgery.

Timeline

  • Patient is diagnosed with mitral regurgitation
  • Patient undergoes evaluation by a cardiologist to determine the severity of the condition and the best treatment option
  • Patient discusses treatment options with their healthcare provider, including traditional open-heart surgery or less invasive techniques such as transcatheter valve replacement
  • If patient opts for less invasive technique, they undergo pre-operative testing and preparation for the procedure
  • Patient undergoes transcatheter valve replacement procedure, such as the placement of a MitraClip or other device
  • Patient is monitored post-procedure for complications and recovery
  • Patient undergoes rehabilitation and follow-up appointments to monitor their progress and ensure the success of the procedure
  • Patient experiences improved heart function and quality of life after valve replacement

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and benefits of valve replacement using a less invasive technique compared to traditional open-heart surgery?
  2. How long does the recovery process typically take after valve replacement using a less invasive technique?
  3. How long do the effects of valve replacement using a less invasive technique typically last?
  4. Will I need to take any medications after the procedure, and if so, for how long?
  5. How frequently will I need to follow up with my doctor after valve replacement using a less invasive technique?
  6. Are there any lifestyle changes I should make after valve replacement using a less invasive technique?
  7. Are there any restrictions on physical activity after valve replacement using a less invasive technique?
  8. What are the success rates of valve replacement using a less invasive technique compared to traditional open-heart surgery?
  9. Are there any potential complications or side effects associated with valve replacement using a less invasive technique?
  10. How experienced is the medical team in performing valve replacement using a less invasive technique, and what is their success rate?

Reference

Authors: Kohorst K, Pretorius M. Journal: Semin Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2019 Mar;23(1):123-133. doi: 10.1177/1089253218779787. Epub 2018 Jun 13. PMID: 29897014